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UFC 119 weigh ins: Ryan Bader

Ryan Bader

TRAINING: Depending on the day we will have three different training sessions. In the morning I will do a technical training session such as boxing pad work and drills. After boxing I will go into my strength and conditioning for about an hour. Our evening practice is our pro practice, which consists of sparring or live goes in wrestling / jiu jitsu, etc.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I was a two-time Division I All American and a three-time Pac 10 champion in wrestling at Arizona State University. After graduating I pursued a career in business, I immediately missed competition and the ups and downs of being an athlete. I helped out a friend prepare for a fight and fell in love with the sport. I began training with my wrestling partner and good friend CB Dollaway at Arizona Combat Sports and really enjoyed getting back into the competitive nature. I had my first fight and that just reassured me that this is what I wanted to do.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? Fighting in the UFC is my ultimate goal. It is the major league of MMA and I have worked hard throughout my amateur wrestling career and my MMA career to get where I am at today. I grew up watching the UFC and couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity with the UFC.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I graduated from Arizona State University, with a BS in Justice & Social Inquiry and minor in Business.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was in sales and marketing for a Telecommunication company.

Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 2X Div I All American, 3X Pac 10 Champion, 2X high school state champion, 2001 Nevada defensive player of the year/football.

Getty Images reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this image or clip. If you violate our intellectual property you may be liable for: actual damages, loss of income, and profits you derive from the use of this image or clip, and, where appropriate, the costs of collection and/or statutory damages up to $150,000 (USD).